In Reply to: Amazing posted by flagdogrose on Wednesday, 22. November 2006 at 15:02 Bali Time:
To you in may seem nothing, but a room for 125,000 would be rather expensive in most parts of Indonesia. Bali, in particular Kuta, is a bit different - prices are inflated to suit the (mostly Australian) holiday makers, but if you travel to Lombok, Java, Flores etc prices are dramtically less, and a decent fan room will only cost 40,000 or 50,000. The prices are sometimes hiked up because they expect you to bargain - bargaining doesn't mean that you are selfish or big headed, it's just psrt of the custom in Asia.
Moreover, if you are backpacking for a long period, it is *necessary* to bargain - costs really add up over a long period, and 125,000 a night over 6 months would work or rather expensive.
I think it is better to negotiate and enter into the bargaining spirit in Asia than not bother bargaining and throw your money round like you are a king - you will gain far more respect this way.